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A fragmentation bomb is a weapon filled with an explosive , the destructive effect of which is mainly achieved by the large number of metal parts ( splinters ) that are distributed in all directions during the explosion and, as a rule, only to a very small extent by the detonation wave (gas strike) of the respective explosives . Compared to conventional high-explosive bombs , fragmentation bombs have a lower proportion of explosives and a lower explosive power. The bomb body has a relatively thick-walled, fragmenting sheath. In some cases, the bomb shell also contains additional fragments.
A distinction is made between fragmentation bombs that produce heavy fragments and those that produce light fragments. Heavy splinters primarily act against vehicles and material. Light splinters act against living targets, so-called soft targets . There is a high risk of severe multiple injuries resulting in death for people who are in the fragmentation sphere.
The effect of the fragmentation bomb can be increased if it is detonated just above the ground. This can be achieved by using a proximity fuse or by using a Dinort stick on the tip of the bomb.
literature
- Wolfgang Thamm: Air bombs. The development of explosive devices and incendiary bombs in the Air Force. From the simple aerial bomb to the modern drop ammunition and their uses - with a comparison of the developments in England, the USA and Russia as well as other countries . Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Bonn 2003, ISBN 3-7637-6228-0 .
- Wolfgang Fleischer: German dropping ammunition until 1945. Explosive bombs, incendiary bombs, special dropping ammunition, dropping containers, detonators . Motorbuchverlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02286-9 .